The best book, hobby & craft shops in Palm Desert

Dharmachakra Kadampa Buddhist Center offers meditation classes and Buddhist teachings with practical ideas for bringing more calm and kindness into everyday life. A welcoming local spot to pause, breathe, and perhaps discover that your mind has more tabs open than your laptop.

Rated Comics brings together new and exclusive comics, Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering cards, Funko Pops, graded collectibles, and mystery packs, with a play-store side for in-store events.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, November 10, 2026

Bobo Palm Springs- Stationery Shop is the spot when your brain needs off-screen time and your desk needs a glow-up. Smart, satisfying stationery that makes lists, notes, and birthday cards feel fun again... an easy local ritual when you want small, creative wins between real-life stuff.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, October 23, 2026

Materias Primas is a rare and vintage trove of 20th and 21st-century art, architecture, design, and photography books, thoughtfully curated for serious browsing. They also run a working design/build studio, so the shelves and their monthly events often spark ideas you actually want to make.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, October 29, 2026

Books & Secrets is a neighborhood bookstore now open at The Shops at 1345 in Palm Springs, a chill spot where every good story gets a place to live. Slip in for a quick browse that somehow turns into an hour, and leave with a stack you swear you'll read this week.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, October 9, 2026

Need a real-life browse instead of another doomscroll? The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs is worth the quick Desert Hot Springs hop. Thoughtful selections and friendly humans who get what you like, so you leave with a book you’ll actually finish.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, October 16, 2026

Earths Elements is a Palm Springs go-to for metaphysical reads, tarot and oracle decks, and all the extras like crystals, incense, candles, selenite bowls, and sound healing tools. Ideal when you need a new astrology book, a grounding stone, or just better vibes at home.

From the Riverside County newsletter, October 30, 2026

If your shelf needs fresh strategy, Starbase 505 in Palm Springs, just south of downtown, is a go-to for board games, comics, trading cards, puzzles, and RPG books. They stock dice, mats, and terrain, keep new arrivals rolling, and curate handy staff picks, so you can find something quick or plan a full campaign.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, November 3, 2026

Head to University of California Riverside Official Bookstore for hassle-free course materials, notebooks and all the study tech you keep borrowing from friends. Their Spirit Shop has UCR gear, gifts and even vinyl, plus dorm and desk essentials, so your week feels a little more prepared and a lot more UCR.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 6, 2026

Cellar Door Bookstore pairs popular reads with a cozy, inclusive atmosphere and a lively mix of book clubs, from mysteries and sci-fi to feminist and kids’ picks. It’s a welcoming Riverside spot to browse, meet fellow readers, and leave with a book you didn’t know you needed.

From the Riverside newsletter, November 4, 2026

Urge Palette Art Supplies is a neighborhood art shop run by artists, stocking MTN spray paint, Krink markers, Gamblin oils, and Trekell brushes, plus an in-house gallery and hands-on workshops. If your creative itch needs scratching, this is worth the quick Riverside run from Rancho.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 14, 2026

Music Heals Inc. is the Palm Springs nonprofit turning music into community fuel, offering inclusive lessons for all abilities and guiding students from rhythm basics to songwriting.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, October 2, 2026

Coachella Valley Craft brings DIY workshops to you, with projects ranging from charcuterie boards and home décor to tote bags and kids’ crafts. No experience is needed, so you can try something new without worrying your artistic skills peaked at decorating a school folder.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, November 4, 2026

Just Fabulous Palm Springs is that colorful neighborhood go-to when you want a cheeky greeting card, an art print, or a coffee table flex from Assouline or Taschen, plus candles and home accents that actually smell good. Pop culture, LGBTQ+ and art-inspired finds keep it fresh, so quick stops rarely stay quick.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, November 4, 2026

Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).

Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).

Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.